Few things are more distressing to an animal lover than having to look for a lost dog or lost cat. No matter how carefully you guard your pets, it's always possible they'll go missing.

But there's hope. About one in five pets at Maricopa County Animal Care shelters are reunited with their owners.

Here's what to do if your dog or cat is lost in the Phoenix area or if you've found a stray. Tips come from Maricopa County and the Arizona Humane Society.

If your pet is lost

They could be right under your nose

First, search your home. Pay close attention to areas such as appliances, attics and crawl spaces, cabinets and closets, drain pipes and gutters, drawers, roofs, sheds, trees and vehicles. Curious pets can wander into these areas and get stuck.

A pet's strong sense of smell may bring them back to you. Leave your socks or shirt, or the animal's bedding and toys, on the front porch to help guide your pet home.

Someone else may have spotted your pooch or kitty

Pets held by the county and Arizona Humane Society shelters are listed at PetHarbor. You can also search the Maricopa County Animal Care map for pets found by location. Click on circles for dogs and triangles for cats.

If you find a listing for your furry friend, call the county shelter at 602-506-7387 or the Humane Society at 602-997-7585 and give staff the animal ID. Staffers will direct you to the shelter where your animal is housed.

Visit both county animal shelters — 2500 S. 27th Ave. in Phoenix and 2630 W. Rio Salado Parkway in Mesa — quickly and often. You can also go to the Arizona Humane Society's Sunnyslope Campus at 1311 W. Hatcher Road in Phoenix.

Bring a photo of your pet as well as their veterinary records. Leave a flier.

Let everybody know your favorite furbaby is missing

If you still can't find your pet, post a digital "flier" on the Maricopa County Animal Care map. Click on "Report a Pet" on the upper right side, zoom into the location on the map where your pet was last seen, type in your information and, if possible, attach a photo. The animal will remain on the map for five days. You can post again if necessary.

Go door-to-door in your neighborhood talking to everyone (including postal carriers, paper carriers, school crossing guards and children) and leave a flier with them. Ask nearby elementary schools if you can post a flier, as kids often notice animals. Make sure to include a description of the pet, your phone number and a photo.

After ADOT removes animal remains from freeways, they are checked for IDs and microchips and attempts are made to notify the owners.

What not to do

Don't call or email Maricopa County Animal Care to ask if your pet has been found without checking the county's map. Because of the large number of animals that come through the shelter, employees are unable to respond to inquiries about whether the pet is in the county's care.

Maricopa County Animal Care and Control shelter shown on July 12, 2017 in Phoenix, Ariz.(Photo: Loren Townsley/ The Republic)

Don't wait too long to search the county shelter. Visiting every 24-72 hours over at least 10 days is recommended. The county is only required to hold stray animals for 72 hours. After that time, if the pet is healthy, it may be sent to a rescue group or put up for adoption.

Don't give up too soon. Sometimes it takes several days for pets to be found and brought to the shelter.

If you found a pet

May I see your ID, please?

If the dog is wearing a Maricopa County tag, call 602-506-7387, press 1 and follow the prompts to retrieve the owner's phone number.

If the dog or cat is wearing another type of ID, contact the owner using the information on the ID. The animal can also be scanned for a microchip by a veterinarian, pet store or shelter if they have equipment.

Bring in the professionals

Only healthy stray dogs under three months old as well as sick, injured or abused stray dogs are accepted at the Arizona Humane Society. If the dog can be safely contained, take it to the Sunnyslope Campus, 1311 W. Hatcher Road in Phoenix, or call 602-997-7585 to schedule a pick-up.

All other dogs, especially those healthy and older than three months, can be picked up by Maricopa County. Call 602-506-7387 or complete a stray dog report online. The county does not pick up stray or feral cats but will accept them for a $96 fee each.

You can also drop off a stray dog or cat at the county shelters at 2500 S. 27th Ave. in Phoenix or 2630 W. Rio Salado Parkway in Mesa.

Don't wait to spread the news

If you plan to keep the stray pet at your home for a few days, post a flier on the Maricopa County Animal Care map so the owner can contact you. Click on "Report a Pet" on the upper right side, zoom into the location on the map where you found the animal, type in your information and, if possible, attach a photo. The animal will remain on the map for five days.

Don't keep the animal too long. If you care for a stray dog or cat for six consecutive days, you automatically become the owner of the animal, according to Arizona law.

Don't corner a lost pet that seems unfriendly. Instead, call Maricopa County Animal Control at 602-506-7387.

Feral cat colonies

Programs that trap, neuter and return feral cats are the most humane and effective method of stabilizing outdoor free-ranging cat populations, according to the Arizona Humane Society.

Mother knows best

If you find kittens, their mother might be around the corner hunting for food. Removing kittens should be a last resort. They are fragile and may suffer health or behavioral problems if taken from the mother too soon, the Arizona Humane Society says.

Watch for a while to see if she returns. You can even sprinkle blades of grass or twigs on the kittens and come back later to see if the mother has brushed them off. If you don't see her within eight hours, the kittens are most likely orphans.

More resources

For next steps, go to SoManyCats.org, call the Spay Neuter Hotline at 602-265-7729 or read a how-to guide by the Arizona Humane Society.

Too wild to handle

If you spot a wild animal in your neighborhood, leave it alone. It's not safe to approach.

Much like kittens, baby wild animals such as rabbits and deer may spend time alone while the mother gathers food. If a human picks them up, they may not be able to go back to the wild and will have to live in captivity. Call a wildlife rehabilitator for advice. Find one near you by visiting this map.

If you see a wild animal that is clearly injured, call the Arizona Game and Fish Department at 602-942-3000. More tips are available here and here.

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Lincoln is all dressed up with nowhere to go, although he is hoping that will soon change. Maybe the luck of the Irish will be with him! He is such an outgoing and friendly cat who just loves attention and people in general; he has even been known to play with puppies. He appeared to be homeless and hanging around an apartment complex for a couple of weeks until he was brought to Sun Cities 4 Paws. This chubby-cheeked orange and white tabby, about one year old, was found to carry the FIV virus. This is only transmitted to other cats by a deep bite from an infected cat. He would make a great companion for a kitty who is infected; otherwise it would probably be best that he be an only cat; dogs are not susceptible. He is a favorite of the volunteers who care for the many adoptable cats. He is at 11129 Michigan Avenue, Youngtown. Call 623-876-8778 with any questions about FIV after 10 a.m. Other adoption locations are 10807 N. 96th Avenue, Peoria; call 623-773-2246 after 10 a.m.; adoptions are Tuesdays-Saturdays 10-3 p.m.; Surprise PetSmart, 13764 Bell Road; and Lake Pleasant Towne Center PetSmart, 25372 Lake Pleasant Parkway, Peoria.
Sun Cities 4 Paws Rescue

Cricket is a domestic short-haired torbie cat about 4 years old. She is a very sweet and gentle girl. Cricket was returned to the shelter after being adopted due to no fault of her own. She is used to being in a quieter home acting as the queen of the house. Cricket is affectionate and independent - just the right amount of both! She does enjoy a good game of play, snacks, and naps. Cricket's adoption fee is $95 At Friends for Life Animal Rescue, all animals are altered, vaccinated, microchipped, de-wormed, and cats are tested for FELV/FIV. If interested in giving Cricket a home contact Friends for Life at 480-497-8296, e-mail FFLcats@azfriends.org, visit them on line at www.azfriends.org, or visit their brand new adoption center located at 952 W. Melody Avenue in Gilbert.
Friends for Life Rescue

Onyx seems to be just begging for a photo shoot, remaining motionless until the pose was captured forever! She is usually much more active than this, being only slightly less than two years old. Without a ”whisker” of any color but black, she’s a pretty good looking girl. She is another of the many kitties who get dumped outside the Sun Cities
4 Paws shelter, knowing that she will be taken in and well cared for. Onyx seems to prefer the company of women and plays a bit hard to get with men, and she really doesn’t care much for being picked up. She does love to be brushed and plays hard with her feline pals. Especially endearing is her purr, which seems to have a bird-like trill, very pleasant to the ear. She would love a visit from you at 10807 N. 96th Avenue, Peoria, from 10-3 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Call 623-773-2246 after 10 a.m. Other adoptable cats are at 11129 Michigan Avenue, Youngtown; call 623-876-8778 after 10 a.m.; Surprise PetSmart, 13764 Bell Road; and Lake Pleasant Towne Center PetSmart, 25372 Lake Pleasant Parkway, Peoria.
Sun Cities 4 Paws Rescue

Dan is quite a dashing guy. He's about two years old and weighs about 46 pounds. One of the many things that makes him so adorable is his stubby legs! His is believed to be Bassett and Lab mix possibly with some Shepherd thrown in there. Dan would love a family that will take him on some walks and perhaps a hike or two. Dan was originally found as a stray in Yuma. Unfortunately nothing more is known about his background. Dan is living at Friends for Life Animal Rescue's adoption center which is located at 952 W. Melody Avenue in Gilbert. His adoption fee is $175. Dan is neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and licensed. If you are interested in Dan contact Friends for Life at 480-497-8296, e-mail FFLdogs@azfriends.org, or visit them on line at www.azfriends.org.
Friends for Life Rescue

Smiley is a gorgeous domestic short-haired female cat about 4 years old. She's a fairly laid back kind of girl that enjoys being pet and giving kisses. Her little "meow" sounds more like a bird chirp and her favorite thing to do to pass the time is hanging out near the window on her cat tree and cuddling with her stuffed bunny. Smiley does get along with other cats and the volunteers at Friends for Life Animal Rescue just love her. Smiley's adoption fee is $95.00. At Friends for Life Animal Rescue, all animals are altered, vaccinated, microchipped, de-wormed, and cats are tested for FELV/FIV. If interested in giving Smiley a home contact Friends for Life at 480-497-8296, e-mail FFLcats@azfriends.org, visit them on line at www.azfriends.org, or visit their brand new adoption center located at 952 W. Melody Avenue in Gilbert.
Friends for Life Rescue

Jimena is just waiting to enrich someone’s life with her easygoing manner. When her loving family moved into quarters that unfortunately didn’t allow pets, she was surrendered to Sun Cities 4 Paws Rescue. This 3-year-old torti with a mixture of colors, black, beige, and orange, is a wonderful girl who has lived with kids, gets along fine with other cats, and is pretty ready to accept life as it comes her way. She doesn’t mind being picked up, unlike some cats, and enjoys a nice grooming with a kitty brush. Don’t let this pretty girl slip away! Jimena is presently at the shelter, 10807 N. 96th Avenue, Peoria, 623-773-2246 after 10 a.m., adoptions are Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10-3 p.m. Other locations for adoptions are 11129 Michigan Avenue, Youngtown—623-876-8778 after 10 a.m.; Surprise PetSmart, 13764 Bell Road; and Lake Pleasant Towne Center PetSmart, 25372 Lake Pleasant Parkway, Peoria.
Sun Cities 4 Paws Rescue

Beautiful Roxy recently became a member of Friends for Life Animal Rescue by way of Apache Junction Animal Control when her owner passed away. Roxy is a super sweet, loving girl. She does need to lose a little weight but thankfully she loves to go on walks so this will be a big help for her to lose a few lbs. She knows "sit", rides great in the car, and surprisingly doesn't beg for food. Roxy is about 5 years old and about 60 pounds, and it is believe she's a Shepherd / Rhodesian Ridgeback blend. Roxy is spayed, microchipped, vaccinated and licensed. Her adoption fee is $195. Roxy calls Friends for Life's adoption center home for the time being which is located at 952 W Melody Avenue in Gilbert. If you are interested in Roxy contact Friends for Life at 480-497-8296, e-mail FFLdogs@azfriends.org, or visit them on line at www.azfriends.org.
Friends For Life Rescue

This is Pinto, a 7-year-old Boxer mix. He loves to give handshakes and be petted. He’s also potty-trained and walks well on a leash. He does have some medical conditions. To meet Pinto, visit the Arizona Humane Society’s Sunnyslope Campus at 9226 N. 13th Avenue/1311 W. Hatcher Road, in Phoenix. Pinto’s adoption fee is $50 and includes his neuter surgery, current vaccinations, a microchip and a free follow-up wellness exam with a VCA Animal Hospital. For more information, call 602-997-7585 and ask for animal number 561605.
Arizona Humane Society

This is Skarlet, a 1-year-old domestic medium-hair cat. She weighs 5.60 lbs, and is a little shy at first. Skarlet is currently on her way to the adoption center. For information or to find out where she has been place, visit azhumane.org. Skarlet’s adoption fee is $60 and includes her spay surgery, current vaccinations, a microchip and a free follow-up wellness exam with a VCA Animal Hospital. For more information, call 602-997-7585 and ask for animal number 574848.
Arizona Humane Society

This is Jabba, a 9-yer-old Labrador retriever mix. He’s great at doing tricks for treats. He loves playing fetch, and is very affectionate. He will need to meet all dogs and children before adoption. To meet Jabba, visit the Arizona Humane Society’s Campus for Compassion at 1521 W. Dobbins Rd. in Phoenix. Jabba’s adoption fee is $135 and includes his neuter surgery, current vaccinations, a microchip and a free follow-up wellness exam with a VCA Animal Hospital. For more information, call 602-997-7585 and ask for animal number 572186.
Arizona Humane Society